SUBANG JAYA, May 3: Pertubuhan Suara Rehabilitasi Dan Pendidikan Minda (Suara Minda or Mind Voice), a new organisation set on advocating mental health and well being, and providing support for those facing challenges in the area, saw a successful soft launch at the Dewan Komuniti in USJ1 here recently.
Its founder and president Vishalatchi Arunagiri, in a statement to Weekly Echo said the organisation will be dedicated to fostering a stigma-free environment and providing comprehensive support services for individuals facing mental health challenges.
She said Suara Minda will be collaborating with mental health bodies like the Malaysian Mental Health Association, Selangor Mental Health Association, and MENTARI programme – Klang GH Psychiatric Rehabilitation Centre, towards the advocacy of rights for individuals with mental disabilities.
“This is a significant step towards building a more inclusive and supportive community for mental wellness. With a commitment to advocacy, support, and awareness, the organization aims to illuminate the path to mental wellness for all,” she said.
Backed by several programmes to support those facing mental health challenges, the emphasis will be on aiming for wellness through perseverance, patience, and determination. The programmes will include peer-led therapeutic workshops amid a supportive environment where individuals can embark on their journey towards healing and growth.
The launch of Suara Minda, which hopes to be a beacon of hope and empowerment in the realm of mental health advocacy and support, signifies a significant milestone in destigmatizing mental health issues and promoting overall well-being, said Vishalatchi, who also spoke on her personal journey towards recovery, inspiring many of those who had turned up for the launch.
President of Malaysian Mental Health Association and Selangor Mental Health Association Dato Dr. Andrew Mohanraj, who delivered a speech at the event commended the turnout for the event, saying it reflected the importance of mental health awareness and showed the collective commitment being paid to it.
Among others present at the event were member of Subang Jaya City Council Kamarul Hisham and Dato Dr Jacob Thomas, Champion (Head) of the Private Healthcare Productivity Nexus of the Malaysia Productivity Corporation, who also delivered a speech at the event..
Various booths were also set up, with each showcasing their area of specialty and emphasizing the value of a hands-on approach to mental health. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in various therapeutic activities, providing them with eye-opening experiences on the profound therapeutic value of such interventions.
In her speech, Visha said it took 13 years of perseverance and dedication going through her recovery process when she began to face challenges that had impaired her stability and functionality.
This was done through a combination of therapies, medications, psycho-education, and healing, and while she faced judgment and misunderstanding, Visha said she remained steadfast in her determination to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and advocate for the rights of all individuals.
She said Suara Minda’s three key pillars would be to firstly raise awareness through campaigns, seminars, and workshops, and educate the public on mental health issues and promote a stigma-free environment.
Secondly, support services will be provided including comprehensive training programs with the support groups designed to equip individuals with the skills needed for sustainable mental wellness while fostering a nurturing environment for their journey towards well-being.
Thirdly, collaboration with key NGOs will be undertaken to advocate for the rights of individuals with mental disabilities.
–WE
This press release is sponsored by Suara Minda.